Vice President Prof Jane Naaana Opoku-Agyemang held an extensive discussion with the Diaspora African Forum, comprising female Ambassadors in Ghana.
Pledging their full support and commitment to her office, they also expressed their willingness to collaborate in addressing key national challenges, particularly in food security, education, labor, and agriculture.
They also highlighted their mentorship initiatives for women and emphasized the importance of country-to-country facilitation to sustainable development.
They recognized the deep cultural and economic ties between Africa and its diaspora.
In response, Prof Opoku-Agyemang expressed her appreciation for their support and acknowledged the vast influence of the African diaspora.
She also raised a fundamental question: why Africa, despite its significant contributions to global development, continues to face persistent challenges.
She again emphasized the need for Africa to support herself through self-sustaining initiatives and to empower girls and women by building their confidence and leadership potential.
“We need research and policies that align with our unique identity and solutions that address issues at their root” she stated.
The priorities we discussed included:
Rural Development: Improving the quality of life and, especially, enhancing the working conditions of market women. I proposed infrastructure support in markets to protect vendors from harsh weather conditions.
Women’s Health: Expanding the healthcare focus beyond reproductive health to include mental health support for women.
Quality Education: Ensuring children receive a high-standard education that equips them for the future.
Empowering Small Businesses: Recognizing and elevating the economic value of small-scale enterprises such as shea butter and soap production.
Agricultural Sustainability: Establishing a robust irrigation system in northern Ghana to support farmers and improve local livelihoods.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang added “We must continue to grow strategic partnerships that drive tangible progress and take actionable steps toward long-term development solutions”.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
